Wider view

Machine vision technologies, once the preserve of selected industries, are now expanding into new markets. But with this has come a problem: manufacturers are finding innovations are only attractive if coupled with simplicity and ease of use.

'It is an exciting time for such systems,' said Declan O'Dea, northern Europe manager at global vision systems firm

. 'Some new industries are now adopting systems, whereas once they viewed them as not being viable.'

Traditional users of machine vision systems, such as the automotive industry and its Tier 1 suppliers, have been driven by their need to deliver products of high and consistent quality.

'A combination of the decreasing price of technologies, together with increased ease of use, means that sectors such as food and beverages and the packaging industry are now interested in using these systems, whereas beforehand they were perhaps perceived as being hard to use,' said O'Dea. 'The ability for all workers — including those who do not speak good English — to find the technology easy to use and be able to set it up on new parts is vital.'